Former IL Governor Edgar Has Pancreatic Cancer: Report

ILLINOIS — Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to reports. Edgar, 78, served as Illinois governor from 1991 to 1999.

WGN-TV released the following statement from Edgar regarding the diagnosis:

"Doctors at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have determined I have pancreatic cancer that has spread. They and physicians at Mayo Clinic are coordinating on a treatment regimen that I am following initially in Arizona, where we spend the winter, and later in Springfield when we return. We do not underestimate this challenge, but we have confidence in the medical team helping us address it. Brenda and I remain hopeful, and we are grateful for the kindness of so many who have offered their prayers and support."

Edgar, a Republican, was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, and was raised in Charleston, Illinois. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1976 and reelected in 1978, according to his bio at the National Governors Association.

In 1981, he was appointed secretary of state. Edgar was elected to that position in 1982 and was reelected in 1986 by the largest plurality of any candidate in the state’s history. He was elected governor in 1990 and was reelected in 1994, carrying 101 of the state’s 102 counties.